Hiring a real estate agent in Durham can be frustrating. So what are the steps on how to find a good real estate agent in Durham?
Many local large real estate brokers will spend thousands of dollars each month to ensure that their agents are the most visible, whether it be online, in the Yellow Pages, or by erecting giant billboards in the most trafficked sections of Durham.
However, the agents backed by the most promotion dollars aren’t always the best, and may not be a good fit for your circumstances. In today’s piece, we’re going to look at how you can find a good real estate agent in Durham.
[NOTE: If you need to sell your Durham house fast and can’t wait the 3-6 months+ it is taking to sell a home on the local market… we may be able to help by buying your house from you. We can make you an all-cash offer within 24 hours on your house in as-is condition. ]
How To Find A Good Real Estate Agent In Durham – Get Reviews… Real Reviews
Online reviews of real estate agents are easily manipulated, and can be often times little more than paid advertisements. It’s important to get honest reviews from any agent that you’re considering, and any reputable agent will be glad to provide you with recent clients.
Also, reviews are one of the best ways to see how any real estate professional does out in the marketplace.
As a last way to check out the agent… hit Google and type in “[name of agent] reviews” and see what pops up in the Google search. If you see a bunch of bad reviews on websites like yelp and others… see if the agent tried to engage with those negative reviewers online to resolve the situation.
Ask the Right Questions Of The Local Durham Real Estate Agent
Ask the agent (or better yet, his or her former clients) the following questions to gauge the agent’s skill, and ability to represent you as a buyer or a seller:
- Was there any part of the process of buying or selling a home that clients were pleased or particularly displeased with?
- What was the asking price?
- What was the sales price?
- What properties have you worked with in my location?
- What about similarly sized properties?
It’s important to choose an agent who has experience working with homes similar to yours.
Check The Real Estate Agent’s Credentials
Check with your state’s real estate regulatory authority to verify the agent’s licensing. While you’re on that website, you’re also often able to look into regulatory actions and complaints against the agent.
You should also ask the agent how long they’ve been buying and selling homes. If they’re representing an agency, ask how long they’ve been with that particular agency, and their history with other firms.
Above all, it’s important to choose a real estate agent in Durham that you can trust. Regular communication is extremely important when selling your home, as in many cases, a house represents the majority of your net worth. A good agent will be able to answer questions such as:
- How many inquiries have been made about my home?
- How many of these inquiries came from people likely to make a purchase (not just window shoppers)?
- What other properties in this neighborhood are for sale? What is the asking price of those homes?
Ask The Local Real Estate Agent How They Plan On Selling Your House
Sometimes going the direct route is the best. In the case of looking for a local Durham real estate agent, ask them how they intend on selling your house for you that the other agents in town won’t do. And see what their answer is.
Usually the great ones actually have a marketing plan and will get your house out there and on the market in a big way.
What Seperates A Good Realtor From The Rest?
Realtors are not free. They are paid hefty commissions for every house they sell. Some are doing more than others. If you are going to hire one make sure they are working hard for you. Here is a list of what separates a good Realtor from the rest of the pack.
- Expertise and Guidance: A skilled and experienced realtor has in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market. They can provide valuable insights and guidance on property values, market trends, and neighborhood information, helping you make informed decisions.
- Pricing Accuracy: A good Realtor can help you set the right asking price for your property, based on a comparative market analysis (CMA) and their understanding of the local market. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, while underpricing can result in financial losses.
- Marketing and Exposure: Good Realtors have access to a wide range of marketing tools and resources to promote your property effectively. They can create professional listings, use online platforms, hold open houses, and network with other agents to attract potential buyers.
- Negotiation Skills: Good Realtors are skilled negotiators who can represent your interests during price negotiations with buyers. They can help you get the best possible deal while ensuring that the transaction proceeds smoothly.
- Legal and Contract Expertise: Real estate transactions involve complex contracts and legal documents. A good realtor understands the legal aspects of buying or selling a home and can help you navigate the paperwork to avoid potential pitfalls.
- Time and Convenience: Selling a home can be time-consuming and stressful. A good Realtor takes care of many tasks, such as scheduling showings, screening buyers, and handling inquiries, which can save you time and reduce stress.
- Access to Networks: Good Realtors have extensive networks in the real estate industry, including connections with other agents, mortgage brokers, inspectors, and contractors. These connections can be valuable in facilitating the buying or selling process.
- Property Presentation: A good Realtor can provide advice on how to prepare your home for sale, making it more attractive to potential buyers. They may suggest improvements or staging techniques to enhance your property’s appeal.
- Local Knowledge: Realtors have a deep understanding of the local community, including schools, amenities, safety, and quality of life. This information can be crucial for buyers looking for the right neighborhood.
- Problem Solving: Real estate transactions can encounter various challenges, from appraisal issues to unexpected repairs. A good Realtor can help you find solutions to these problems and keep the transaction on track.
- Emotional Support: Selling or buying a home can be an emotional experience. A Realtor can provide emotional support and a professional perspective to help you make rational decisions.
- Risk Mitigation: Good Realtors help you navigate potential risks in a real estate transaction. They can identify red flags and guide you in making informed decisions that protect your interests.
This Is Where Low Priced Isn’t Always The Best
Often times home sellers want to go with the lowest priced option.
Heck, when you look at the numbers… if a real estate agent is earning 3% on a $100,000 sale… that’s $3,000 in fees just to 1 real estate agent (usually both agents representing the buyer and the seller earn commission)… it isn’t cheap. But just really do your research before you go with a cut rate agent or a flat fee agent… because that usually means that the service you’re getting is also a lower level service.
Some of the best real estate agents in Durham have great marketing systems and are able to sell homes faster and for higher prices. So even if you find someone to sell your house at a 1.5% fee… look long and hard at whether you’ll be saving money long term.
The same goes for selling your house to a local real estate investor. The highest priced offer isn’t always the best. Look at the terms of the deal the house buyer offers you… and ensure they can close on-time… because every month that goes by costs you money (your mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.) to hold the property.
It’s important to avoid low-quality real estate agents. These could be “rookies” who will do anything to make their first sale (including leaving dollars on the table). A good real estate can make selling your home an extremely smooth experience, and will work in your best interest.
So go out there and do your research and find a local real estate agent.
If you need to sell your house fast… we’d love to make you an all-cash fair offer on your house.
We can make you a no-obligation offer in 24 hours or less and you can weigh that option against going with a real estate agent.
Just click the link below and fill out the short form on the next page to get the painless process rolling.